If BMW didn't exist, you would have a .......

[cleeves]

what would you have?

I would have a early '80s mercedes 280SL/5 speed (euro/euro bumpers). it has the straight-6 DOHC 2.8L M110 engine, which is about as reliable as it gets. 185HP, 200+ TQ, and pretty light. handles much better than the 500/560SL with the M117 V8. i don't like mercedes V8s--too much weight and less power for the size. (seriously, come on, a 2.8L and a 5.0L engine both have 185HP and the 5.0L newer) plus reliability is really an issue on the V8's. just something about those old fashioned mercedes convertibles and straight-6 engines... nothing else like them...
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff36/roadracevette/DSC03679.jpg

[jbd5015]

Most likely a 240Z or something with a rotary engine. I may have dipped into the audi scene, but doubtful as the AWD system wouldve freaked me out..

Although the 240 would have a swap most likely, either from a 280 or something bigger. I like the 70s Japanese RWD cars a lot.

Or I wouldve had a Volvo brick. I would have a tough time deciding between a 242 Turbo or a 245 Turbo. Both would be 5spd, but something about that wagon has always caught me. Had one for a few years.

Come to think of it, id most likely have the volvo, kinda makes me want to look for another one!!!

-Jeff

[BoldUlysses]

Those M-Bs are nice-looking. Never really warmed to the "pagoda roof" but overall I like. Didn't know they made a 5-speed. Huh.

I'd probably want my old 4000 quattro back:

http://www.boldulysses.com/old/audi/audi21.jpg

Wedgy-looking, tossable, easy to work on, bulletproof. Slow as molasses, but I didn't mind too much. MC swaps have been done many, many times.

I might go Japanese, but I've already been down that path (RX-7, Supra, etc) and I'm kind of bored with it. Besides, I have a 240Z sitting in my parents' garage waiting for me to restore it anyway.

-Matt

[detroit635csi]

80's audi ur quattro 5cyl turbo

[RichE30]

60s Corvettes

[rem83]

Um, I guess just a Miata and a Saturn, and a couple of '80s Honda bikes.

[cleeves]

Those M-Bs are nice-looking. Never really warmed to the "pagoda roof" but overall I like. Didn't know they made a 5-speed. Huh.

I'd probably want my old 4000 quattro back:

http://www.boldulysses.com/old/audi/audi21.jpg

Wedgy-looking, tossable, easy to work on, bulletproof. Slow as molasses, but I didn't mind too much. MC swaps have been done many, many times.

I might go Japanese, but I've already been down that path (RX-7, Supra, etc) and I'm kind of bored with it. Besides, I have a 240Z sitting in my parents' garage waiting for me to restore it anyway.

-Matt

the 5-speeds were very rare.. only optioned on 280s.... as were the 280s.... and only availible in europe. i'd say the rarity of the euro 280SL/5speed would be about compareable to a 6series E12 based car with the M90/dogleg.

[Alex E24 E30]

UrQ all the way...or maybe a Porsche...


Either way, it'd still be German.


Alex

[BoldUlysses]

the 5-speeds were very rare.. only optioned on 280s.... as were the 280s.... and only availible in europe. i'd say the rarity of the euro 280SL/5speed would be about compareable to a 6series E12 based car with the M90/dogleg.

Is there anything else to swap in a 5-speed from? Didn't some of the 190Es come with manual, even stateside? If so, can those be shoehorned into an SL?

-Matt

[cleeves]

Is there anything else to swap in a 5-speed from? Didn't some of the 190Es come with manual, even stateside? If so, can those be shoehorned into an SL?

-Matt

I was referring to the R107 based SL cars. some of the W201 also came with getrag's. i don't know if they can be shoehorned into a car with the M110. most W201s came with 4-bangers so you would have to modify the bellhousing. easiest way to get a 5-speed into any mercedes is to rob it from cars with the M110. even if you have a V8 (SEC coupe or SEL or whatnot) the best option, albeit very hard to find, is to get a Euro parts car with the M110 and getrag. such as a 280SL, 280TE, 280SE, 280CE, etc. modifying the bellhousing is not really an option unless your good at fabricating metal.

[Pino]

First thought that popped into my head was Mercedes.... but I want one of them regardless of BMW's existence.

So if BMW was never created, I would need an outlet for spirited driving through a car I could be enthusiastic about. MBZ doesnt really define that for me, so I'd have to go with:

Porsche 944 (...with the LS1 :))

[Rallim]

~97 Legacy GT. In fact, I still plan on it. Haha

[Roku35]

I would want to play with a early 70's 240z or a 1980's Porsche 911 :boink(I still want to).

[BoldUlysses]

I was referring to the R107 based SL cars. some of the W201 also came with getrag's. i don't know if they can be shoehorned into a car with the M110. most W201s came with 4-bangers so you would have to modify the bellhousing. easiest way to get a 5-speed into any mercedes is to rob it from cars with the M110. even if you have a V8 (SEC coupe or SEL or whatnot) the best option, albeit very hard to find, is to get a Euro parts car with the M110 and getrag. such as a 280SL, 280TE, 280SE, 280CE, etc. modifying the bellhousing is not really an option unless your good at fabricating metal.

Gotcha. That's what I was wondering about--I know next to nothing about M-B interchangeability. Thanks for the info. :)

Whenever an automatic-equipped car pops up and I develop the slightest bit of interest in it, the first thought that always crosses my mind is, "Where can I get a 5-speed for it, and how hard would it be to swap in?"

-Matt

[M6csi]

1970-71 MB 280 SE 3.5 coupe or better yet, the convertible!

[euroshark]

Great question! I've wondered this a few times before...

I'm with Cleeves on the Mercedes thing, except that I'm a fan of the alloy V8s. I'd love an SLC of any flavor, a 500SEC or 560SEC, and I'd even consider a 560SEL if the price was right. For the "fun" car it would have to be a Porsche 928S or a 951.

[systemx29]

http://www.cargurus.com/images/2008/10/21/10/08/pic-48988.jpeg

'nuff said.

i want one still anyways :(

[FernandoBunster]

A Lancia Fulvia HF
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hr3NThkj5hw&feature=related

[635 Red Baron]

well i already have my 280Z so i guess an AAR Cuda or another mopar...
http://www.cartype.com/pics/1196/full/aar-cuda_hood1.jpg

.... i love these cars :)

[Bentsdl]

alfa romeo GTV6:
http://www.alfabb.com/bb/forums/attachments/alfetta-gtv6-1975-1986/103467d1211379308-alfa-romeo-alfetta-gtv6-1980-1987-worldwide-registry-thread-p1000574_1922814375.jpg

[Zack01GC]

If I didn't have my car, I'd probably in some sort of VW/Audi product.

Or go back to my roots (which I plan to at some point) with a Mustang. Either a 65-70 or a 86-93 body style.

http://www.gtscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/93-mustang-coupe1.jpg
http://assets.speedtv.com/images/easy_gallery/963221/1969_ford_mustang_mach_1_fastback_m.jpg

More realistically...
http://fatlace.com/hellaflush/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/hfrabbit_6.jpg

[86GT635]

I don't know. But I've had chevy's, buick's, honda's, volvo's and bmw's. Never had a lincoln, but I'd like to. I definitely like the 66 plymouth belvedere hemi. I'll take two.
-DJ

[Ol'6erGuy]

Aston Martin, maybe another MG TD, always wanted a '70 Challenger T/A or a '69 Charger Daytona. Another '69 Camaro Z 28 would be nice, or even a SS 396 Convertable. Buick Regal Gran National. What ever it would be it would most likely be hot Detroit iron.
Bill

[tlister67]

I had a detroit iron phase and I doubt I will ever go back after my 633. I guess I would go porsche as well but I do like that 280SL but I think I need another 20 years of age based on the folks I see driving them. I am in my 40's :D

[Taylor Marshall]

lot more money.

[FlyWulf]

Answer is short and sweet, the 928 GTS

[Stoffie]

Probably a VW Golf Mk IV R32, a thought I am still entertaining as my daily...

[Bimmernovice]

Since this is under the 6-series heading, probably a 2004 -2007 Pontiac GTO. 4 seat coupe with 400hp! A lot cheaper than a current 6-series.

[JRanmann]

Likely dress in a white trenchcoat and drive a Peugeot model 403 Grande Luxe Cabriolet~!

http://www.columbo-site.freeuk.com/scrapbook/brochurered403.jpg


To Columbo's suspect character (already with the answer in hand).....

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l231/moonknight2099/Columbo1.jpg
"Oh...and one other thing I forgot to mention Sir...

PS In the search for the 'Truth'... What ever happened to good TV?

:D

[Ol'6erGuy]

Likely dress in a white trenchcoat and drive a Peugeot model 403 Grande Luxe Cabriolet~!

http://www.columbo-site.freeuk.com/scrapbook/brochurered403.jpg


To Columbo's suspect character (already with the answer in hand).....

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l231/moonknight2099/Columbo1.jpg
"Oh...and one other thing I forgot to mention Sir...

PS In the search for the 'Truth'... What ever happened to good TV?

:D

I love it!! I could be talked in to a Morgan!
Bill

[JRanmann]

I could be talked in to a Morgan!

Bill: On that Morgan, beautiful cars when complete and then I saw one once being a 'ground' up restoration in process...and frankly I would tend to leave the Oak (wood) in my foundation support for my home and prefer my car's frame (and subrframes) be made of sturdier material

Otherwise I would get kidded alot by the guys for having wood planes and carving tools in my mechanical rollaround toolbox and we can't have that!

:D

Cheers~!

[scottMA 635csi]

thats a good question, it it were older and german probably some sort of big benz. performance wise i like the holdens in disguise GTO or G8 Gxp

[cleeves]

[/QUICKIMG]
thats a good question, it it were older and german probably some sort of big benz. performance wise i like the holdens in disguise GTO or G8 Gxp

:pimpflash

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j202/jaredflo/AMG_560SEC/AMG_560_SEC_2008_07260006.jpg

[Roku35]

Those M-Bs are nice-looking. Never really warmed to the "pagoda roof" but overall I like. Didn't know they made a 5-speed. Huh.

I'd probably want my old 4000 quattro back:


-Matt

I had one of those too. A creme color 4000cs. It was nice (cause I had a VW before) Very heavy and sloooooow. Sold it back in 1995 to the first $900 that showed up. It was gone the following day.

[BoldUlysses]

Very heavy and sloooooow. Sold it back in 1995 to the first $900 that showed up. It was gone the following day.

Those older Audis are really undervalued, I think. I could pick up a 4k quattro in great shape for around $1500-$2000. It's only got ~110hp from the factory, but the other aspects of it are right on the money:

- Quick-ratio rack & pinion
- Four wheel discs
- Four wheel independent suspension
- AWD w/manually lockable center and rear diffs
- Close-ratio 5-speed
- 2800 lbs

They are slow; you're right, even with the 5-speed. Driving one you have the distinct impression that the center of gravity is much lower down in the car than it would normally be for a car of its proportions, just 'cause of the mass of all the quattro machinery underneath.

The turbo engine from the 5000/200 turbo quattro bolts right in and really wakes the car up. The Motorgeek forums are full of guys doing crazy things to 'em. Kinda fun to thumb through there.

Dang, now I miss it. Gotta go outside and take another gander at the 6er...

...done. I'm better now.

:D

-Matt

[Flash635]

Porsche 911 or 968.

[dm635]

Another vote for the 928. When I drove my 1st one back in the 80's it was the quickest car I'd driven. Sorry Audi guys, but I had a 5000S & will never own another Audi. Was glad to see it go. But had a buddy who drove a Turbo Quattro & he had great luck with his & he drove it hard.

[Ol'6erGuy]

Otherwise I would get kidded alot by the guys for having wood planes and carving tools in my mechanical rollaround toolbox and we can't have that!

:D

Cheers~!

The body of my TD was hammered around wood framing. You could always tell your friends that they don't know class when they see it!
Bill :D

[pldlnr]

I have always loved the original Ford Bronco. I like them in completely stock form.

http://www.automotivetraveler.com/images/stories/easygallery/resized/159/1240279701_Dave_Kunz_1977_Ford_Bronco.jpg

[Zack01GC]

Oh yeah. In addition to my MK1 VW and Mustang, add this to the list. Always had a soft spot for 60's Cadillacs.

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj122/dotcomrade/s6/DSC_0005.jpg

[jbd5015]

I almost forgot, i'd most likely want a fire breathing late 60's Alfa GTV.

wouldnt mind an old continental either...suicide doors and all that good stuff.

and an old land cruiser for offroading haha...but now we are talking dream garage crap haha.

-Jeff

[dm635]

Did have a 69 Continental. Last year for the suicide doors. Was all white with the 460. Beautiful car, but thinking back now I really don't know why I bought it. Had a friend then who had a 63 T-Bird. Had fun in the old gas hog.

[Lapis 635 Euro]

W124 E500 Benz - the ultimate sleeper

http://www.autoreview.ru/new_site/year2002/n05/oldmerc/800/mer_12.jpg

[eko1]

ha, i had a cream colored audi 4000 as well. i think it was actually called ivory?? it was a great car. yes, even though it is slow, i would have another. i would love to have a 4000 rally car.

this would be cool too.

http://media.motortopia.com/files/6615/vehicle/49b322fb731a3/IMG_2540.jpg

[not2quick]

different job...and a dixie

[PRJKTGRMN]

Since this is under the 6-series heading, probably a 2004 -2007 Pontiac GTO. 4 seat coupe with 400hp! A lot cheaper than a current 6-series.


thats a good question, it it were older and german probably some sort of big benz. performance wise i like the holdens in disguise GTO or G8 Gxp

i have the best of both worlds, a 6er and a GTO 6spd :) two great cars really, i love them both to pieces. and within the next year or two i will be picking up a G8 GXP for sure -- i love how these big holdens drive, they really got it right with the perfect combo of european styling and handling with american V8 muscle.

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r216/TJ21685/bigcoupes.jpg

but going back to on topic, if BMW wasn't around i'd prolly give in a little more to my little mercedes itch to have a 80s SEL sedan or SEC coupe. which i still want regardless -- they are one of the few MBs that i'd actually like to own.

if it wasn't for that, i'd prolly go back into Mustangs.